Synthesis of DOT Use of Beam End Protection for Extending the Life of Bridges

Aleksandra Radlińska,Leslie Myers Mccarthy,Francis Nagel,James Matzke

doi:10.1007/s40069-014-0077-0

Abstract

As the national transportation infrastructure ages and deteriorates, many existing bridges require frequent and costly maintenance and repairs. The objective of this work was to synthesize new and existing types of beam end coatings and treatments that have been proven to extend the life of new and existing concrete and steel bridge beams. A comprehensive literature review, along with online surveys and phone interviews of State department of transportations (DOTs) and coating manufacturers was conducted to gather information about existing and recently developed technologies. The study revealed that while many promising coatings and treatments are offered on the market, there is a lack of readily available laboratory results that would enable direct comparison of the available methods. This finding applies in terms of the coatings’ durability and the potential for extending the service life of existing bridges. Most of the interviewed State DOTs’ personnel assessed the products listed in respective DOT’s Qualified Products Lists as performing ‘well’. However, there was significant variability between states in the type of the products used. Among the agencies contacted, none was able to suggest the most promising or advanced products, either for concrete or steel bridge beam end treatments. This suggests that comprehensive laboratory evaluation would be necessary for selecting the best available beam end treatments and coatings.

Highlights

The condition of aging infrastructure in the United States has been an elevated concern for many years
The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) shared that with new concrete structures, the outside fascia of exterior girders is sealed with a siloxane or an acrylic sealer, but there is no special treatment of girder ends
Protective coatings, concrete sealers, latex acrylic primer, and an epoxy sealer were products reported by these department of transportations (DOTs)

Summary

Introduction

The condition of aging infrastructure in the United States has been an elevated concern for many years. The National Academy of Engineering included the restoration and improvement of urban infrastructure on the list of the top 14 Engineering Challenges facing society (Grand Challenges for Engineering 2012). The condition of the infrastructure could be significantly improved if restoration and repairs on the existing infrastructure components, and especially bridges, were implemented. A review of recent National Highway System (NHS) Bridge Deficiencies data that span over the recent decade (Table 1) reveals that approximately 8.2 % of NHS bridges were classified as structurally deficient with the number consistently recorded to be above 8 % over the recent decade (Status of the Nation’s Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions and Performance (2010)).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion